Minisink Valley Elementary School

I feel the general public has such a misunderstanding about this school system. It is very over rated and I regret fully that we moved and are now sending our child to this outdated and under achieving school. If you 'dig' deep you will find this district ranked very poorly in the bottom half of schools in NY. Even when I was in school 30 years ago we had more individualized teaching. The reading program is a joke! My son is in 2nd grade and is reading books on his own at a 4th-5th grade level but must endure reading class that is boring and completely below his level. We are now looking into private school for next year or even relocating to one of the much better districts in the area. We feel very mislead about this district when we were purchasing our home and hope this helps others!
--Submitted by a parent

I am also the parent of an above average child, and I agree with the prior post regarding reading groups. My son has a desire to learn and I feel he is 'stuck' waiting around for everyone else to 'catch up'. It is terrible to know as a parent that you have to fight for a fair education for your child. But, if you don't fight for them, nobody else will.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a very bright child who works above grade level in all areas. While this school is a safe, structured place, with a lot of school pride and spirit, I feel they do not provide enuogh enrichment for the above average students. I am also disappointed that they use a textbook (basal) reader and teach reading to the whole class as one large group. Reading should be taught to small groups according to their reading level so that instruction is more individualized and effective. Whole class instruction does not meet the needs of individual learners, whether they are above or below grade level. I was very surprised to this antiquated way of teaching reading still in practice. The district needs more current and progressive instructional leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is i the kidergarden Looping program and I cannot overstate what motivation and confidence he has before he entered the program. He is very optimistic about reading, writing, expressing his creativity through drawing and takes pride in helping other students. Great credit to his teacher and the positive classroom enviroment he finds himself in. The communication between his teacher and we as parents is excellent. Good start for my son and great school.
--Submitted by a parent